The Adam and Eve, Hackney

The Vibe

The Adam and Eve doesn’t sit on the greatest street, but boy is it a handsome pub. Recently refurbished, the striking facade of cream terracotta really shows off its Edwardian heritage. Inside, it looks like your average London watering hole – a little uninspiring truth be told. But, give it a chance, saunter round back and you won’t Adam and Eve it! (See what I did there?). The L shaped pool table is the first of many novelties that will catch your eye. Continue onwards into the garden and you’ll find a mini paradise of mismatched vintage furniture, low hanging light bulbs and an annex filled with quirky trinkets – great conversation starters. With plenty of nooks and crannies, The Adam and Eve accommodates a mixed clientele of Hackney locals, convivial after work groups and cosy couples.

The Order

Pub grub this is not. The kitchen is working alongside The Cornwall Project, a scheme which aims to bring Cornwall’s finest produce straight to the plates of London. Go for half a Cornish lobster served with crunchy green bean salad and vibrant gremolata (a garnish made with chopped parsley, garlic and grated lemon zest) – a real steal for a tenner. Barbequed on the grill out back, the crustacean is dowsed with the ultimate lobster sauce just before serving. A sort of buerre noisette (or cooked butter to you and me), it is flavoured with the lobster’s juices to create a rich and decadent dressing – in the words of Head Chef Michael Harrison, it’s utterly ‘obscene’.

For something meatier, the Beef Onglet or Middle White Pork Chop will hit the spot. Accompany with sides of chips and BBQ corn on the cob.

The Game

Hip and happening, The Adam and Eve is a great card to play around three to four dates in. Pick a weekend where you’ve got time on your hands to kick back and really embrace the summer scene. Go straight to the garden, grab a deckchair and spend the afternoon sipping chilled white wine or sampling local ales whilst watching the lobsters roast on the grill. As the sun goes down, move into the annex and onto the stronger stuff. Suggest a nightcap back at yours and get a taxi outta there.

The Faults

Ordering at the bar eats into flirtation time so stock up while you’re there.